MTL - Ascending, Do Not Disturb - ~ 81. Mirage

Fifty years ago, the oxygen in the atmosphere changed, giving rise to a new form of air known as Spiritual Qi. Humans, plants, and animals alike suddenly awakened latent mutant genes and began evolving, gaining Superpowered Talents and Classes. Life took a new turn, and humanity had to adapt.Everything seemed to be going well until, fifty years later, a 16-year-old boy named Klaus awakened a terrifying Talent and Class. His awakening marked the beginning of a new era in human evolution.Unbeknownst to everyone, Klaus, who was shunned by society and dropped out of school to work for a better life for himself and his mother, was actually the last of the Nine Paragons—a being so powerful that even the heavens feared him.Watch as Klaus climbs the ladder of strength, pursuing absolute power with a single purpose: to protect and make his mother happy.

From ancient times to the present, it is rumored that there is a spiritual realm in the world.

Regarding the theory of the spiritual realm, celebrities and scholars in the past dynasties have different opinions. The poem records:

“From Qi to Tang, Zishan?

“The spiritual realm is indescribable, and it is difficult to ask for forgiveness for ghost workers.”

- Description from novelbuddy

Growing up in an orphanage and surrounded by poverty, Leo never expected anything good from life. Everyone around him had abandoned him, forcing him to survive as a thief. Yet, fate had other plans.Caught by mysterious figures during a daring theft, Leo is forced into accepting a perilous mission. Transported to a strange, magical world, he confronts terrifying myths he had never believed were real.Suddenly thrust into a brutal, nightmarish battle, Leo hears a feminine voice, filled with authority and danger:“Are you worthy to be my Master?”In that moment, his life changes irrevocably—transformed in ways he'd never dreamed.And the cruellest twist?He's the only human participant in this deadly game. With just one champion at his side, Leo must navigate and survive the merciless battles ahead, relying on his skills to fight, endure, and above all… to steal.But remember, this is just F—

In this world, some say, the truth and the legends are the same. One such legend belonged to the protagonist, Valerian.

Valerian was an orphan, a boy blessed with a beautiful face, and everyone around him, could not help but want to play with him, till one day a prophet passing through their town pronounced him to be cursed.

Since that day, the destiny of the boy seemed to have changed completely, he was shunned by everyone around him, and the gazes that were earlier filled with love and affection, now brimmed with disgust and hatred.

The constant shunning and humiliation made the cheerful child grow up to be bitter and inexpectant. On his seventh birthday, things changed once again.

This time, it was not the people around him who went through a change, but himself. As he grew up, Valerian became a legend in his own sense.

The people sang of a boy, who could not speak, they shed tears for a boy, who could not grieve. He came from nowhere yet he was known everywhere.

Would you like to know this legend? A story where a curse can become a blessing? A story of sacrifice, betrayal, determination, and secrets.